What has science ever done for me? Conservative Conference

Party conference

October
022018

Location

Overview

Sam Gyimah MP

Politicians are making challenging decisions on how to prioritise limited funds to improve people’s lives across the UK. Is research and innovation a good investment?

The Government has committed to meet a target of 2.4% of GDP invested in UK R&D within ten years, and a longer-term goal of 3%. Delivering this ambition requires greater public and business investment in R&D. Now is the time for us to talk not just about the conditions that will encourage this investment, but how to spend smarter to improve people’s lives.

Our speakers have personal stories that illustrate the wider public benefits of investment in research and innovation, from the obvious, such as new medicines and treatments, to the less expected, such as research-intensive start-ups creating local jobs and boosting local services. We will discuss why the 2.4% target matters not just to scientists and researchers but to everyone in society. We can all play a role in, and benefit from, delivering it together.

Chaired by Professor Graeme Reid from University College London. Speakers include:

Sam Gyimah MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation